IN-BOX; Rachel Alexandra on Course

Published: August 1, 2010

To the Sports Editor:

Re ''It's Sizzling, Not Dazzling, as Rachel Alexandra Wins,'' July 25: Although Rachel Alexandra did not win by 10 or 15 lengths in the Lady's Secret Stakes on July 24 at Monmouth Park, she recorded the fourth-highest figure of any horse this year in the Beyer Speed Figures, which allow easy comparisons of horses' efforts at different distances.

Seven months into the season, that's not something to underestimate, and that's certainly not something that should ''raise the question of whether she is as good as she was in 2009.''

Maybe she didn't match her 2009 Monmouth performance, but the Breeders' Cup is her goal, and she seems to be right on course.

Jonathan Anders

St. Louis

The sports department welcomes readers' comments. Letters must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Those selected may be shortened to fit allotted space. Send e-mail to sports@nytimes.com, faxes to (646) 428-6147 and postal mail to Sports Department, The New York Times, 620 Eighth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10018.